The VA loan is one of the most popular benefits for veterans, active-duty and reserve service members, and qualifying spouses in the United States. With attractive rates and the ability to buy a home or refinance all of your equity with no money down, its easy to see why. Still, there are certain requirements put … Read more
A large inheritance can be both a boon and a burden—a boon because the money could come in handy someday, and a burden because it imposes a certain responsibility on the recipient to use it wisely and not squander it. Heres a step-by-step guide for anyone who has received or is anticipating to receive a … Read more
Taking out a $2,000 personal loan can provide quick access to funds when you need them. But lenders will look at your credit profile to determine if you qualify and what rate you can get. So how much credit do you really need to get approved for a $2,000 personal loan? The short answer is … Read more
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to … Read more
A debt usually doesn’t go away until it’s paid, but in some states, creditors or debt collectors may only be able to take legal action for a certain amount of time. In many states, creditors and debt collectors can’t go to court to collect on an old debt because the time limit has passed. Some … Read more
A balloon mortgage allows you to enjoy low monthly payments for several years — with a big catch. Your final payment amount “balloons” sharply, potentially leaving you with a bill that’s far higher than what you’ve been paying. If you understand the risks and unusual features of a balloon mortgage, this loan type can make … Read more
According to the Amex website, American Express is accepted by 99% of places in the US that accept credit cards. You may not believe this because you’ve probably been to at least one store that has a sign by the credit card machine that says “No Amex” or something similar. I’m not here to dispute … Read more
Whatever your goals, a personal loan can help you reach them faster. Borrow $2,000 – $35,000* for things like a medical bill, a home project, or an unexpected expense. Need money quickly but don’t have time to wait? These days, getting a loan quickly is necessary for those unexpected costs. Luckily, there are now ways … Read more
If you knowingly report inaccurate data on a credit application, you’re committing fraud. And while a credit card issuer might not immediately request verification, legally its possible. Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this … Read more
Getting rid of your mortgage isn’t just a sensible goal that you should think about as part of your overall investment plan, though that is definitely true. There’s an emotional component to getting rid of your mortgage, too. And we shouldn’t ignore our emotions because they hugely influence our ability to stick to our plans. … Read more